Hypodermic syringe



Jan. 9, 1934. s. KABNICK 1,943,120

HYPODERMIC SYRINGE Filed May 21, 1930 -fmden-or 6TUART KAamcK Patented Jan. 9, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application May 21, 1930.

Serial No. 454,356

\ 10 Claims. (01.128-218) pelling the medicament through the bore of the' needle. The primary purpose of this type of syringe was to provide a renewable cartridge for operative association with the syringe body proper. In all of the heretofore proposed used renewable cartridges the medicament employed for anesthetic and injection purposes has been supplied in the form of a solution which is subject to deterioration if not used within a prescribed period of time after the solution has been compounded.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a renewable capsule or cartridge for a hypodermic syringe which is in the form of a multiple compartment ampul and which is adapted to maintain a particular medicament or drug in separated relation from its solvent until that time when they are to be mixed together ioruse.

An ampul having the requisite characteristics for the present invention has been disclosed in my United States Letters Patent No. 1,727,987, granted September 10, 1929, it being .among the objects of this invention to modify the constructional details of this patented ampul so as to adapt it for use in a hypodermic syringe.

A further object of the invention is the provision in a hypodermic syringe of a multiple compartment cartridge which is so designed and operated that when the plunger of the syringe is depressed communication between the interiors of the separate compartments of the,

cartridge is automatically attained whereby to permit the mixture of the solvent contained in one compartment with the medicament or drug contained in. the other compartment.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will appear more clearly in the detailed description to follow, as shown in the accompanying drawing and as finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing:-

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a syringe with which is operatively associated a multiple compartment renewable cartridge of the type embodying the principles of this invention; I

Figure 2 is a similar cross-sectional view showing the syringe plunger in partially depressed position and with the hypodermic needle in operative position with respect to the cartridge;

Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal view of the renewable cartridge shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a modified form of renewable cartridge of the dual compartment type;

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the portion inscribed within the broken line circle of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view showing the manner of effecting communication between the normally separate compartments of the cartridge shown in Figure 4; and

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified form of syringe the main body or barrel of which is constructed in the form of a dual ampul embodying the principles of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, it will be observed that the syringe employed in conjunction with my improved form of renewable cartridge includes a barrel or cylinder 10 one end of which terminates in a reduced interiorly threaded neck portion 11 and the opposite end of which is ex- .teriorly threaded as at 12. Threadedly secured to the rear open end of the barrel 10 Ba cap member 13 having anelongated sleeve 14 which is coaxial with the barrel 10 and which serves as a bearing sleeve for a slidable stem or plunger 15.

Provided at the outer end of this plunger is a handle 16 for cooperation with the usual finger grips 17 suitably secured to the barrel 10. The inner end of the slidable plunger is provided with'an enlarged head 18 for a purpose which will be apparent hereinafter. Adapted to be threadedly secured to the neck portion 11 of the barrel is the usual hypodermic needle assembly 19.

Arranged to be received within the interior of the barrel 10 is a renewabletype of medicament dispensing cartridge such as is shown most clearly in Figure 3 and which-is designated generally by the reference numeral 20. This. renewable cartridge 20 is, in the present instance, in the form of a multiple-compartment ampul preferably constructed of glass. In its form shown in bulbous element is joined to the partition 24 by a restricted neck portion 26, the purpose of this restriction being to afford a frangible connection at this point.

Suitable rubber or cork plugs 27 and 28 are provided for respectively sealing the opposite open ends of the main tubular body 21 of the cartridge. The compartments 22 and 23 are thus hermetically sealed from the atmosphere and from each other, it being understood that before the plugs are inserted into position as shown in Figure 3, the compartments 22 and 23 are respectively filled or partially filled with a suitable medicament or drug and with a solvent therefor. The solvent is preferably sealed in the compartment 23 and the drug, which may' be in liquid, powder or paste form, is preferably sealed in the compartment 22. In order to avoid any of the deleterious effects which the plugs may have on the agents contained within the cartridge the inner surfaces thereof which respectively contact with the sealed-in agents are faced, preferably, with disks 29 of celluloid or other such material as will not affect or be affected by the drug or its solvent.

As clearly apears in Figure 3, the plug 27, which is preferably formed of a resilient material which is readily pierced by a needle, is provided with an axial recess 30 by reason of which the longitudinal thickness of the plug is reduced to thereby facilitate its piercing by the needle 31 of the hypodermic needle assembly 19. The plug 28 is adapted to serve as a piston element for expelling the medicament in solution through the bore of the needle 31.

In order to effect this last-mentioned result the cartridge 20 is inserted within the bore of the barrel 10 and the cap member 13 is threaded in position. The plunger 15 is then in operative position to force the plug 28 axially forwardly of the main body 21 of the cartridge with the result that the liquid solvent contained in the compartment 23 is compressed and transmits a considerable pressure against the bulbous element 25 thereby causing the latter to break off at its restricted neck portion. An opening 32 is thus afforded between the compartments 22 and 23 through which the solvent is forced for mixture with the medicament or drug contained in compartment 22.

It will thus appear that it is an exceedingly simple matter to effect the necessary mixture between the agents respectively contained within the compartments 22 and 23. Having so established communication between these compartments and with the drug in solution the needle assembly 19 is threaded into the position shown in Figure 2 such that the inner end of the needle 31 pierces the plug 27 and is in communication with the interior of the cartridge 20. Further depression of the plunger 15 forces the drug solution from the interior of the cartridge through the bore of the hypodermic needle as in the usual manner.

In Figure 4 I have illustrated a modified form of dual compartment cartridge wherein the separating partition 33 thereof is provided with a bulbous portion 34 of generally arcuate shape, it being understood that, as in the case of the cartridge illustrated in Figure 3, the interior of this bulbous portion is in free communication with the compartment 2 3 of the cartridge. It will be apparent that upon forcing the piston plug 28 axially of the cartridge the liquid solvent contained in compartment 23 will be compressed and caused to exert a pressure against the arcuately shaped portion 34 to an extent sufficient to cause the latter to tend to straighten out or assume a position paralleling the axis of the cartridge. This tendency of the arcuately shaped portion 34 to so straighten out will cause it {to break off and so afford communication between the interiors of the compartments 22,and 23. To facilitate this break the convex surface of the projection 34 may be weakened, as at 35, preferably by nicking or scratching the same. In every other respect the cartridge illustrated in Figure 4 operates as does that illustrated in Figure 3.

In Figure 7 I have shown a modified form of the present invention wherein the medicament cartridge or ampul constitutes the main body or barrel of the syringe. Referring more particularly to this figure it will be observed that the syringe therein shown comprises a tubular main body member 36 preferably constructed of glass one end of which is formed to provide a restricted neck portion 37 affording a central opening 38 through which a suitable hypodermic needle 39 is projected. This hypodermic needle 39 is suitably fused or otherwise secured to the neck portion 37 of the ampul and is adapted to form a non-removable part thereof. The opposite and open end of the ampul is sealed by a suitable rubber or cork plug 40 which is similar in character to the plug 28 of Figures 1 to 4, inclusive. This plug 40, which is provided with an operating handle 41, is adapted to serve as a piston element for expelling the medicament in solution through the bore of the hypodermic needle 39.

As clearly appears in Figure 7 the ampul or syringe body 36 is divided into a pair of longitudinally spaced compartments 42 and 43 by a suitably formed partition 44, the latter being provided in the central zone thereof with an axially projecting bulbous element 45. It will be observed that the frangible partition 44 is similar in all respects to the frangible partition 24 as shown in Figure 3, it being understood of course that the ampul may be provided, if desired, with that form of frangible partition such as is shown in Figure 4.

Suitably fused to the needle end of the syringe body 36 is a tubular glass member 46 for hermetically sealing-in the outer portion of the needle 39. This sealing cap 46 is preferably provided with a restricted neck portion, as at 47, to-facilitate the fracture thereof and so permit its removal when the syringe is to be used.

As in the former instances the medicament or drug is sealed in the compartment 43 and the solvent therefor in the compartment 42. Upon forcing the plug 40 axially of the body 36 the liquid solvent contained in the compartment 42 is compressed and transmits a pressure sufiicient to cause the element 45 to break off and so afford an opening between the compartments 42 and 43 through which the solvent is forced for mixof the particular drug or medicament employed is not impaired as in those cases where it has remained in solution for a considerable period of time prior to its actual use.

It will be understood'of course that various changes and modifications in the present invention may be made from time to time without d'eparting from the real spirit or principles thereof and it is accordingly intended to claim the invention broadly, as well as specifically, as indicated by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and useful is:--

1. In a hypodermic syringe, in combination, a barrel, a dual-compartment cartridge adapted to be removably received within said barrel, frangible means integrally formed in said cartridge for maintaining the interiors of the cartridge compartments in separately sealed condition, said compartments being respectively adapted to contain a drug and a solvent there for, a plug for sealing the solvent within one of said compartments, and means operatively associated with'said barrel and adapted to force said plug axially of said last-mentioned compartment whereby to transmit, through the medium of said solvent, a pressure of sufficient force to rupture said frangible means and thereby effect communication between said compartments.

2. In a hypodermic syringe, in combination, a barrel, a cartridge removably received within said barrel, said cartridge comprising a tubular member sealed at its opposite ends and divided into a pair of longitudinally spaced compartmental sections respectively adapted to contain different medicinal agents intended for mixture together in the use thereof, the seal at one end of said member being in the form of an axially movable piston and said sections being maintained in separated relation by a frangible partition integrally formed in said cartridge, and a plunger operatively associated with said barrel and adapted to force said piston axially of said member whereby to transmit, through the medium of the agent contained in the section between said partition and piston, a pressure of sufficient force to rupture said frangible partition and thereby effect free communication between said compartmental sections.

3. In a hypodermic syringe, in combination, a barrel, means at one end thereof for closing the same and constituting a guide for a slidable plunger, means at the other end thereof for detachably receiving a hypodermic needle assembly, a cartridge adapted to be removably received within said barrel, said cartridge comprising a main body member the needle end of which is sealed by a pierceable plug member and the plunger end of which is sealed by a movable piston member, said cartridge body being provided intermediate the sealed ends thereof with a frangible partition whereby to provide a pair of longitudinally spaced compartmental sections respectively adapted to contain a drug and a solvent therefor, and a plunger operatively associated with said barrel and adapted to force said piston axially of said cartridge body so as to exert a force, through the medium of the solvent, sufficient to rupture said frangible partition and thereby effect free communication between said compartmental sections.

4. A cartridge for hypodermic syringes comprising a main tubular body member, a frangible partition located intermediate the ends and extending transversely of said member whereby to provide a pair of longitudinally spaced compartmental sections in said body member which are adapted to respectively receive a drug and a solvent therefor, a pierceable seal for closing the open end of the drug-receiving section, and a piston type of seal for closing the open end of the solvent receiving section.

5. A cartridge for hypodermic syringes comprising a main tubular body member, a frangible partition located intermediate the ends and extending transversely of said member whereby to provide a pair of longitudinally spaced compartmental sections in said body member which are adapted to respectively receive a drug and a solvent therefor, a pierceable seal for closing the open end of the drug-receiving section, and a piston type of seal for closing the open end of the solvent-receiving section, said piston type of seal being adapted, when forced axially toward said frangible partition, to transmit a pressure through the medium of the solvent sufficient to disrupt said frangible partition and so effect free communication between the interiors of said compartmental sections.

6. A multiple-compartment ampul for use in hypodermic syringes employing a movable plunger comprising a main body member having a frangible partition, a seal at one end of said body member, said seal being longitudinally displaced from said partition and a piston at the opposite end of said body member, said piston being movable upon actuation by said plunger to effect rupture of said frangible partition.

'7. In a hypodermic syringe, in combination, a barrel, a plunger operatively associated with said barrel, and a cartridge including a pair of compartmental sections respectively adapted to contain a drug and a solvent therefor, said sections being maintained in separated sealed condition by an intermediate disruptible seal, said seal being disruptible upon actuation of said plunger.

8. In a hypodermic syringe, a renewable cartridge therefor provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced separately sealed compartmental sections for respectively receiving a drug or me dicament and a solvent therefor, said compartmental sections being maintained in separately sealed condition by an integrally formed frangible partition which is disruptible upon the application of pressure to the solvent contained in one of said sections.

9. A hypodermic syringe comprising a main body member provided with a pair of longitudi nally spaced separately sealed compartmental sections for respectively receiving a drug or medicament and a solvent therefor, said compartmental sections being maintained in separately sealed condition by a frangible partition which is disruptible upon the application of pressure to the solvent contained in one of said sections.

10. A multiple-compartment ampul for use as a hypodermic syringe comprising a main body member having a frangible partition, a hypodermic needle adapted to be projected through one end of said member, a cap member fused to the needle end of said body member for sealingin the outer end of the needle, and a piston at the opposite end of said member which is operative when forced axially of said member to rupture said frangible partition.

STUART KABNICK. 

